Water Hyacinth-Distributed Globally

As a free-floating macrophyte, Eichhornia crassipes reproduces both vegetatively, through the formation of axillary buds on stolons, and sexually via seed production. It thrives in stagnant or slow-moving water, forming dense mats in estuarine habitats, lakes, urban areas, watercourses, and wetlands. This invasive species exhibits remarkable tolerance to various environmental factors, including water level fluctuations, nutrient availability, pH levels, temperature extremes, and certain toxic substances. However, it cannot survive in brackish or saline water conditions. Notably, the growth of Eichhornia crassipes is strongly correlated with nutrient concentrations, particularly nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Today, Eichhornia crassipes has spread to every continent except Antarctica, invading tropical and sub-tropical countries as well as parts of the Mediterranean basin. Its aggressive nature and detrimental impacts on agriculture, the environment, and human activities have prompted global efforts to manage and control its growth. In response, legislative measures to prevent the sale or distribution of this weed are being developed in several countries, including the USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Morocco, and Portugal. Furthermore, the completion and approval of the EPPO PRA on Eichhornia crassipes in 2008 led to the recommendation for its regulation within European and Mediterranean countries.